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DENVER — Author Laurel Snyder and illustrator Emily Hughes are the 2018 recipients of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for “Charlie & Mouse,” published by Chronicle Books. The award was announced today by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the 91��ý (91��ý), during the 91��ý Midwinter Meeting & Exhibition held Feb. 9–13, in Denver.

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is given to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year. The award is named for the world-renowned children’s author, Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss. Award winners are recognized for their literary and artistic achievements that demonstrate creativity and imagination to engage children in reading. Award and honor book recipients will receive their awards in New Orleans, during the 91��ý Annual Conference in June.

In four short chapters that could each stand alone, readers join young brothers Charlie and Mouse on a full day of imaginative adventures. The brothers talk to sleeping lumps, invite friends to an impromptu playground party, fail to sell rocks, and invent the bedtime banana. (Bedtime bananas—they’re a thing.)

Emily Hughes’ playful illustrations and Laurel Snyder’s clever text work together to highlight an inclusive cast of friends and neighbors, capturing a unique sense of place while reflecting the diverse world in which all children live. Snyder demonstrates both her understanding of and respect for the child reader though these stories, which encourage creative play and capture the childhood experience.

“Through authentic dialogue, thoughtfully repeated phrases, and distinctive illustrations, every reader will know that they too are invited to the party,” said Geisel Award Committee Chair Sandra J. Imdieke.

Five Geisel Honor Books were named:

“I See a Cat” written and illustrated by Paul Meisel and published by Holiday House.

Earliest readers enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the daily experiences of a family’s pet dog as it waits for the return of his beloved boy. With only 10 distinct words, Meisel masterfully creates an engaging, satisfying and page turning read. Watercolor illustrations superbly provide visual clues to support the text and carry the story along. After the child turns the last page of “I See a Cat” anyone watching will say “I See a Reader.”

Paul Meisel has illustrated more than 70 books and previously received a Geisel Honor for “See Me Run” in 2012. () .

“King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats” written by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers and published by Peachtree Publishers.

In this mystery, Kayla’s dog King is accused of eating treats that she baked for her friend’s puppy. In five chapters King displays his sleuthing talents to track down the culprit and vindicate himself Full-color illustrations combine with declarative sentences to assist readers in decoding complex vocabulary for a successful reading experience.

Dori Hillestad Butler is the author of several children’s book series, including the Edgar Award winning Buddy Files. Nancy Meyers is a graphic designer in Minneapolis who has illustrated a variety of children’s books.

“My Kite Is Stuck! And Other Stories” written and illustrated by Salina Yoon and published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

In this sequel to “Duck, Duck, Porcupine,” the hilarious trio continue their antics with Little Duck saving the day every time. The graphic novel format with its speech bubbles and bold illustrations supports newly independent readers, with each story functioning as a standalone.

Salina Yoon is the award-winning author and illustrator of more than 150 children’s books.

“Noodleheads See the Future” written by Tedd Arnold, Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, illustrated by Tedd Arnold and published by Holiday House.

Mac and Mac, Noodleheads hoping to eat a cake in their future, find themselves in hilarious situations generated from their own foolishness. The authors and illustrator bring a rich oral tradition to today’s beginning reader. A reader will enjoy being in on the jokes in this cleverly crafted story told in comic book style. For example, when asked “Can you give me a hand?” Mac and Mac reply, “We would give you this hand. But we can’t get it off.” Appealing illustrations support the text and contribute to a much-anticipated turn of the page from start to finish ending with a satisfying conclusion: “The future is here and it smells like cake!”

Tedd Arnold is the creator of scores of picture books and easy readers and is the recipient of two Geisel Honor awards. Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, also known as Beauty and the Beast Storytellers are critically acclaimed storytellers and award winning authors and recording artists.

“Snail & Worm Again” written and illustrated by Tina Kügler and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Snail and Worm’s gentle friendship and support of one another in these humorous and charming stories will delight readers. The seamless introduction of consonant blends and vowel diagraphs expands new readers’ abilities.

Tina Kügler has owned a children's bookshop, has worked in the youth department of a public library, and is the author or illustrator of several books for children.

The members of the 2018 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Committee are Chair Sandra J. Imdieke, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Mich.; Meagan Albright, Nova Southeastern University Alvin Sherman Library, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Kate Capps, Olathe (Kan.) Indian Creek Library; Renee M. Christiansen, Library System of Lancaster (Pa.) County; Rachée Fagg, Lansdowne (Pa.) Public Library; Joy Feldman, Sno-Isle Libraries,Tulalip, Wash. and Sylvie Juliet Shaffer, Maret School, Washington, D.C.

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is driven by more than 4,000 members dedicated to the support and enrichment of library service to children. Our members include youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty. ALSC supports its members in engaging communities to build healthy, successful, futures for all children. To learn more about ALSC and how to join, please visit our website at www.ala.org/alsc.

For more information on the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and other 91��ý Youth Media Awards, please visit .

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